In the thick of it

Sorry been away for a bit...life gets busy you know...

So training is going...it's been kind of a rough week this week. Rough just trying to fit in the time to get my training in and then doing it. Did my long run this past Sunday, 9.53 miles....and though I usually dread the "long run" this one was actually really good and if it wasn't for the fact that I needed to get home I might have gone longer. Learning to refuel is something I'm trying to figure out. Took some Gatorage energy chews with me (by the way it's not something I would want to take all the time) they are OK, kind of like gummies, but after running 7 miles and having a dry mouth it just wasn't the most pleasant thing. Need to invest in a portable water system to take on my long runs...just haven't found that right thing yet....need to work on that. But yes, my long run this past Sunday was great...good thing because my shorter runs this week were horrible!! I ran on Tuesday...outside...which is always a good thing, but I had very low energy and my legs felt like they were in concrete boots. Horrible...and my left calf would start cramping...overall, one of the worst runs I've had in a while. Decided to rest Wednesday and went out yesterday at Kids America...the first mile or two again...legs felt awful. By mile 2.5 I had to take a break because where my leg meets my ankle was hurting terribly and I could tell my form was off making it worse. Decided to walk a couple laps to regroup and then ran the rest of my 4.6 total miles. Second half was better after I regrouped but my left leg and foot are sore today. I think I'm going to take today and tomorrow off and then maybe try to attempt a run on Sunday. It should be my long run, but we will see how that goes. Don't want to push too hard...my next long run I was going to shoot for 10 miles, but may have to hold off on that...we shall see.

So in more running news...I signed up for another run today. If you've heard me talk last summer about the Indian Mud Run that my friends and I would run on last summer, then this is the actual race. The Indian Mud Run is a 3.2 mile race with mud and about 30 obstacles...I debated about doing it, but thought heck I only live once and since I already know the trail pretty well why not. If you sign up by Saturday, February 16th you can get in at last years price of $45.00. I'm kind of excited....nice to have races like this literally in our own backyard, and the best part is the money benefits the Lake Park district, which is where I also do my long runs...so it's a win win!! I'm doing the 8:00 a.m. wave so if anyone would care to join me come along!! I may need someone to point out trees for me...lol!

This week, we celebrated a birthday in our house...my middle baby turned 14 this week. How is this possible!!?!?! He's growing up so fast and he is so smart! So proud of the young man he is becoming.

On other news, I am so excited about tomorrow!! Having a long overdue girls day out with my besties! Heading to Easton to do a little bit of shopping and I've heard there is going to be some cheesecake involved. Can't wait!! I love my boys, but there is something to be said about testosterone free time....did I say I was excited?? Is it Saturday yet??

Well I've got things to get ready before tomorrow, so I better go for know. Here's hoping that next weeks running training goes better.

There is a fine line...

There is a saying that I have....there is a fine line between dedication and insanity...and when it comes to running...that line is very very fine. 

So today I knew I needed to get my long run in....8 miles to be exact....however the Weather Channel was calling for 2-4 inches of snow our way starting at around 9 a.m. Needless to say, this left me with 2 options...well 3 really but that 3rd one wasn't an option, which was skipping the run altogether. But my other 2 options were A) Go use the track at Kids America and go around that track a billion times or B) Brave the sub Arctic outdoor temperatures. Needless to say my body woke me up at 6 a.m. and though I laid there for about 20 minutes debating on whether or not to crawl out of my nice warm cozy bed, I reluctantly got my gear on (which I laid out the night before so there were no excuses) and headed out before my brain could tell me no. Though I was what I considered bundled up...it was COLD OUT THERE!! 14 degrees to be exact...6 with the windchill. My fingers were frozen by the time I got down my alley (and yes I had mittens on). I decided against going my usual long route and decided to do my usual longer school route instead since I figured the roads would be clearer and if I fell or needed help at least there were houses nearby...lol. Overall the route was clear...only a couple little icy spots, but nothing major at all. The biggest problem....the wind and keeping my face warm....definitely need something for my face...thought about one of those face masks, but afraid people would think I'm some sort of criminal running away from something.....face masks have truly gotten a bad rap! Not to mention by halfway through my run though the rest of my body (other than my face) was getting warm...my core was FROZEN!! I literally could not feel it! My core usually gets pretty cold after a good workout...but this was like icebox cold. Needless to say my core was beet red when I got home and took a while to thaw out. Needless to say I think I need to rethink my outdoor gear and maybe dress a little warmer than I did...though I thought I did, I obviously need to bundle up a bit more. So I'm on the lookout for good winter running wear...nothing hugely bulky but will keep me warm while wicking away the moisture. If you have any suggestions let me know.

So would I do it again....as insane as it sounds, probably YES. Though I froze and it wasn't an easy in the cold...I far prefer being outside than running in circles around a mind numbing track. Don't get me wrong, I like the KA track and it serves me well...just not for 8 long miles...much rather be outside for my long runs....and thus, I hope and pray that next week's long run will be a bit warmer....though I did hear that the groundhog did not see his shadow today so hopefully an early Spring will be upon us and I can continue with training outside more often!

Overall training has been going pretty well...still having trouble grasping cross training and what to do that would work best....found a new Nike app that has exercises so maybe I'll try those.

Well I'm going to get my family some dinner and continue trying to thaw out...unfortunately been a pretty lazy day...just laundry and dinner. Oh well...I'm hoping to paint the second coat on my hallway/stairway next week and finally have that project done...it will be so nice to finally have that finished...though it does make my stairwell seem a bit smaller, I'm glad it's finally having a nicer look.

Well have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!!

Pricier does NOT mean better...aka Stick with what works

So half marathon training is trudging on and has been quite interesting with the weather here lately. Today I was scheduled to do a long run and mother nature decided to dump some snow on us. I usually try to do my long runs outdoors and since I was trying to keep my weekend open, today was the day. Needless to say I ended up going to Kids America and using their track...and let me say that 7.6 miles on a track is not a barrel of fun. The first 4 miles were kind of tough, but after 4.5 miles I kind of found a groove. Surprisingly I was able to do my run with mostly negative splits, the last mile being my fastest so I'm pretty tickled with that.

Now those who know me know that I am a huge Mizuno fan. Ever since I got my first pair of Mizuno Wave Precision 13's this fall I have been in love with these shoes. Now I know this is a shock but I'm already through about half the life of these precious babys so I have been on the lookout for their replacement. Now I know...once you find something good you should stick with it...but I like to explore a little bit so I went for the gamut...I decided I would use my Amazon gift cards and some money I got at Christmas to buy myself the ultimate pair of Mizunos...The Wave Prophecy.  These were the most expensive pair of shoes I had ever bought myself...despite the fact I paid with it mostly with my gift cards I still felt guilty about it, but I just had to try them, especially since I read the reviews on Amazon and they got such glowing reviews. Well I just received them this week and today was my first test drive with them. And honestly all I can say is that I'm terribly disappointed. I wanted to like them. Ran a full mile in them, but they just made my shins and knees hurt and they were just so rigid and stiff...now before you go on a soapbox, I very well know that these are new shoes and they may need a bit of breaking in, but these were nothing like my precious pink beauties. Even my Precisions didn't need this kind of breaking in or feel this rigid and stiff. Needless to say these puppies are going back and I will most likely exchange them for another pair of my precious hot pink kicks. I could almost buy 2 pairs for the price of the others...so needless to say, just because a shoe has a bigger price tag doesn't mean that it's a better shoe. I had the same thing happen when I used to wear Asics. My most expensive pair of those feel apart in three months. So I think it's a definite lesson learned. Sometimes it's truly better to stick with what works and not go with the notion that bigger price tag means better product. Now I'm not saying these weren't made well or anything like that, these just are not comfortable and not the shoe for me.

So after my 7.6 mile run around a boring track, I think I'm going to give myself a little weekend break...may go for a small walk tomorrow with the hubby, but that's all. Let's just say that I can tell that I've begun ramping up my training and I think a little break would do me a little good :)

Have a great snowy weekend!!

Music Matters

Motivation...sometimes I have it and sometimes I don't...you feeling me?? You know those days when you know you have something big looming on the horizon and you honestly are just dreading it big time?? That was me this morning. I usually try to do my long run on the weekend, but because of things going on this weekend I opted to do it today....and I was dreading it....and here's why:

First of all, while I'm posting on this blog I'm going to be honest with my feelings...post how I'm feeling at the moment. That being said, I have to honestly say I have been struggling with the thought of doing this half marathon the last couple days. I know my last couple runs, though good runs, they weren't great. I struggled...and I think my main problem was and is going to be more wrestling with myself than anything else. When I signed up for the Cap City Half Marathon I was really excited. Now that I've officially started training, I'm half scared and wondering if I can pull this off. I know some of you are thinking, "whatever", but when I struggle to get through a 4 mile run, the thought of pulling out another 9+ miles is daunting to say the least. Forward to today's run....I was struggling to get out the door. Though it was cold out and a little windy this morning, (27 degrees at 10:00 a.m.) the sun was shining bright, yet I literally was dragging my feet. But I finally got out there...I decided to go my normal "long run route" and to be honest those first 2.5 miles were tough...for me those first miles usually are. But I trudged through and kept going...though I was keeping a pretty decent pace even though I felt as if I wasn't. It wasn't until I hit about mile 4 that I started to feel "Ok, I can get through this." That's where in my opinion MUSIC MATTERS!! I almost always run with my iPod and play some sort of motivating music to get me going. Today, at mile four, my motivating song was "Running Down A Dream" by Tom Petty. I started picturing in my head running the half marathon....chasing that dream. I got caught up in the music...before I knew it I was making my third lap around the campground. Was doing pretty good by this point. I knew there was a pretty big hill ahead...next motivational song to come on, "Renegade" by Daughtry...got up the hill and around with no problem...was feeling good at this point and into a groove...this is about mile 5 - 6.5 at this point. My last motivational song was "Eye On It" by TobyMac....my new powersong...love this song! If you listen to the lyrics, it is the PERFECT running song. This got me through mile 7.5...after that I could tell I was struggling. I began praying hard at this point because I was roughly about another mile and a half away from home. I prayed and ran...I told myself that if I could get to a certain spot I would allow myself to stop...I made it slightly past that spot and was hoping to go a little farther, but I had to stop for traffic and just didn't have it in me to start up again. I had to walk approximately another half to three quarters mile home...longest walk ever. But I was able to make it home....now guzzling lots of water and a Vita Coco to hopefully ward off any muscle soreness tomorrow. 

Needless to say, despite the fact that I really didn't want to go out there and I was dreading it I was able to (with God's help of course) pull off a nine mile run...no stopping...which is honestly a God thing because lately I've been struggling to get through a simple 5K without stopping. Maybe it's being outside instead of inside...who knows. Fact is, I made it...and if I just push myself and talk positive over the negative, play some really good motivating music, and ask God for help when I desperately need it...this half marathon can become a reality. It's just going to take time, practice, diligence and honestly....a little smidge of insanity. My motto I've told my husband is, "There is a fine line between dedication and insanity". Here's hoping I don't go too insane these next few months.

Have a great weekend all!

Training Day 3

So day three of my 16 week half marathon training plan is complete and to be honest I am sore...not overly, but I'm feeling it. Not sure if it's the cross training I did yesterday...which by the way I AM feeling...mostly in my arms and neck. I can see this training isn't going to be a walk in the park...it's going to be a challenge for sure.

Today I did my second set of speed intervals. I decided to stay with a 400m distance the whole time...don't want to overdo it. I'm not sure if it was just the fact that I was tired and sore from yesterday, but this set I seemed to struggle a little more than last week's intervals. I did 7 sets of 400m like last week, though I only took one lap to recover instead of 2. On intervals 5 and 6 I was bottoming out for sure, but for some reason interval 7 I didn't feel too bad...maybe it was because I knew I was about done...lol. Regardless I did it and I was able to keep a pace (even with my walking recovery laps) of 9'54" which isn't too bad for a not so young thing. I'm hoping that this training will get me to where I need to be by May...completing my first half marathon. That's the goal and that's all that matters. Blood, sweat and tears are part of the package...but hopefully there will be sweet victory in the end.

My biggest challenge....pacing. Learning to pace myself properly. A 5K pace is far different than a half marathon pace. Learning that running a race is not just physical, but there are a lot of mental components that go into it as well. My biggest challenge is making sure not to give too much too soon. Learning that going slow at first will benefit me towards the end...saving some of that energy for when I'm at mile 12 where I'll be tempted to give up. That will be my biggest struggle I can see. Hopefully these next 16 weeks of training will help me work that out.

On another note...took my middle son Brennan to Freshman scheduling orientation last night. Honestly I'm in shock...how did this happen??? I struggled with Austin becoming a Freshman, but I knew for a while that was looming over the horizon. With Brennan I feel like it just snuck up on me. Where did my sweet big hearted Brennie Gene go?? Wasn't he that shy little kid I just took to Kindergarten?? Wow...when they said that once they start school it goes by fast, they weren't kidding...especially when they get to Jr and Sr. High. Geesh!! They all are growing up to fast and it make me incredibly sad. But so proud of what they are becoming.

So tonight I am taking another cooking class at The Village Pantry. If you have not taken a class there, you need too...they have great recipes and are so very gracious. The owners Chris and Jenny Wilson are great and work so well together. You can tell that this is their passion. Tonight's class also includes Ed Kiefer of Kiefer's Florist giving some great decorating tips. Took a class with him last week...very informative. I was relieved to know that I'm obviously on the right track with the redecorating of my house. Tonight Ed is going to talk about texture and more decorating tips. I'm not sure if tonight's class is sold out, (they usually sell out pretty quickly) but you can give The Village Pantry a call if you are interested.

Well I'm going to leave you today with a picture I put on my Facebook page for my 365 day photo challenge...today's photo was to do with a good habit. The best good habit I can say I have right now of course is running...best thing I've ever done for myself. But a good habit is even better when shared. This is a pic of my friends Lori Varns, Leslie Warner and Juanita Welch after our CCMH 5K this past October. It was a miserable rainy day that day, but despite that I think the majority of us beat our own PR's that day. A memorable day indeed.

Have a great day everyone!

Time for a revival...of sorts.

Considering it is a new year, and I see many great new things on the horizon for 2013, I figured it's time to revive this old blog to document it if for no one else, at least for myself. 

2013....New Year...new beginnings...a time to reflect and a time to re-evaluate and start anew. As in several years past I have chosen a word for 2013...My One Little Word for the year if you will (as given by the great scrapbooking icon Ali Edwards). However, let me digress for just a moment...

When I came across Ali Edwards' idea of choosing a word for the New Year I thought "What a great idea!" So when I started this journey my word for 2011 was TRUTH...and a great word it was! Between things that happened that year and taking the Brave Girls "Soul Restoration" Class, I found out so many great things about myself...things that were holding me back, things I never realized and the strength to push forward...great word! For 2012, the word was PREPARE...which again was a perfect word for that year. That year we did quite a bit of remodeling to our home...Kevin's bathroom, my bathroom, our living room, redid our hallway with new drywall and a new kitchen floor (finally!!). A lot of preparation and stress went into all that, that is for sure...I think that word also helped me prepare also for this year. This year my word I've chosen is DISTANCE. Which honestly has several different meanings for me. The main one being that I'm preparing for my first half marathon this May...which is also the main reason I'm reviving this blog...I want to document my journey to the half marathon. I think "distance' is a word that will serve me well this year and I'm hoping you will join me on my journey.

So most of my posts will probably be about my running journey and my preparations and struggles with preparing for my first half marathon. Now I'm no young pup anymore and my body tells me that often, but I'm determined to do this and to do it with excellence. As my hubby says, once I get my mind set on something, better just get out of the way...I guess I can be a stubborn one...go figure :)

So my first post for this new year, I officially began my half marathon training yesterday. I'm signed up to run the Cap City Half Marathon in May. I've looked over several "training plans", and so far this one I found on Runner's World seems to be the best fit for me...it's called the FIRST Half Marathon Training Plan and it uses only 3-4 runs a week and 2 days of cross training...I like the idea of not running every day...this body is not up for that...so this plan intrigues me. Started yesterday with a good tempo run at Kids America...went in the evening which I have never done...luckily it wasn't too crowded...much better than the mornings at 9 AM...great bobbing and weaving training during that time...lol. Felt pretty good. 

Today I did my first bit of cross training....don't really have a set "plan" yet, but looking into a few things, but thought I better start something so I decided to use this app I found on my Kindle called Daily Workouts..(I have the free version)...only did 20 minutes today, 10 minutes on abs and 10 minutes on arms since those are what I consider my weakest areas...and can I say I am right!! Especially my arms! I never was big on upper body strength so here's hoping that this year I will go the distance and change that...I guarantee I'm going to feel this arm workout later!

On another note, I am also doing my best to give God the first part of my day...I've been reading a devotional by Joyce Meyer called "Battlefield of the Mind".  So far it has been really good. I do miss days...weekends are harder than through the week...but not beating myself up over it...God knows my heart and I know He sees my efforts. It has been the most consistent I have been so far and really gleaning something from it, so I am going with it...I am also reading another devotional, but don't want to share it just yet...you'll understand later, but it also is changing me and working out well...though it truly isn't easy.

So, thus begins my journey into 2013....going the distance and setting goals. Hopefully seeing positive results. May you also go the distance in your life in 2013!! Have a great year!

I know it's been a while...

Yes I know it's been a while...well over a year since I've posted on here....but with recent events I feel the need to make a post...maybe not so much for others, but for myself to work through things.

Again in light of recent events with the school shooting in Newtown, CT...even though I knew not a single one of these victims or those directly touched by this tragedy, I have been affected deeply by this event. Taking my kids to school today...my oldest two were almost late...not because of them, but because of me...I was the one dragging my feet this morning...I honestly didn't want to take my boys to school. And after I dropped them off and told them I loved them, I cried all the way home...and those who know me know I'm not a huge crier. This tragedy is sad and honestly makes a mom like me feel like nothing is safe anymore.

Now I want to preface this next paragraph with this statement....I do not own a gun. That being said...I have heard responses through social media and the like of those who are against guns. Yes, guns are dangerous weapons...they can be used to do terrible things, obviously. But guns don't kill people PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE. It's those behind those guns that kill. I know this is gonna sound stupid, but never have I heard of any news report stating a gun walked into anywhere and started killing people. I mean lets face it....if someone wanted to use a toothbrush to kill someone, they'll figure out a way to do it...granted it would take longer and wouldn't have the same effect, but point being is objects don't kill. You can point fingers all you want to guns, knives, cars, video games, etc. but until we start looking ourselves in the mirror and putting the blame where it belongs...on a misguided and evil human race, all we are going to do is play an endless blame game that will never get us anywhere. We could ban guns, but that will only make those who want them fight that much harder to get them and then acquire them illegally.. Taking guns away will not solve this. Controlling guns....sure maybe. Honestly I don't understand why anyone other than a military official or someone in law enforcement would need an automatic rifle anyway. Again I don't own guns, but that seems a bit much for the normal Joe in my opinion.....but that's a whole other can of worms.

Honestly,  it's time to look at the human heart people. It's time for each of us to rise up and respect one another as HUMAN BEINGS!! We are all human...we all have rights, and feelings...we all breathe the same air. Until we go back to respecting each other, valuing human life and loving thy neighbor and quit focusing so much on ourselves, how we've been offended and hating each other this world is just only going to get worse. Until we learn how to respect things that we use as well things won't get better. For instance, I can teach my son to drive a car, but if I also don't teach him the things that can happen when a car isn't used properly, how can I expect him to respect it....and if he sees me disrespecting others, how is he going to learn respect.

Respect, value, integrity, honesty, love and so much more. Just a list of the many lost values we need to reinstate in the world today....thing is, it needs to start with us. We can either be a part of the problem and waste our time playing the blame game, or take a stand and live our lives as examples . Will it save lives you may ask?? Maybe yes, maybe no....but honestly what else do we have?? At least we can go through life doing our best to make a difference, no matter how small that may be.

Thank you for allowing me to stand on my little soap box. And please, I'm sure there are going to be those who disagree with my opinion. You have every right to disagree.

Please continue to pray for our country, for those in Newtown, CT, for those families affected by this tragedy and for our schools, teachers, school workers and students.

My Bucket List

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

So here it is....My Bucket List:

1.) To build a cabin in the woods, complete with a cozy fireplace...awesome back patio area and of course my own craft room!

2.) Take my family back to Disney World!

3.) Spend a summer traveling Europe...especially Ireland, Germany, Greece and Italy.

4.) Own a Black Jeep Wrangler

5.) Go on a Tornado Chase with my son Brennan...we've talked about doing this for years...we are both huge fans of tornadoes!!

6.) Learn how to swim

7.) Be able to touch someone's life in such a way that they could never repay me, because in the end I know I'd be blessed too!

8.) To run a Marathon

9.) To own an iMac and an iPad

10.) To go on a long vacation with my hubby, just him and I...maybe travel Route 66 together??

11.) Go to New York City!! Catch a Broadway Show

12.) Take a course in professional photography

13.) Be published in a Scrapbook magazine

14.) Get my finances in order so that way I wouldn't have to worry about my finances for the rest of my life!!

15.) Tag along with the team on Ghost Hunters...I think that would be scary cool!

That's it for today....it'll probably be different tomorrow. So what's on your Bucket List??

Why???

Why....

• ...does is the weather always bad when my son goes to Scout camp??


• ...does my lawn look like a hay field...you would think with all this stinking rain we've had that my lawn would look like the hills of Ireland, lush and green...there are two green patches of grass in my backyard...count them...2...which I also ask...


• ...why can't my front hill look like a hay field so I don't have to mow it!!


• ...no matter how much I do, the hubby always tells it like he was much busier, worked harder and did more than I.


• ...do my boys think that I should do everything and complain when I don't?


• ...does it have to rain so much?!?!?


• ....am I complaining??

Oh well....time to go to work!

Hello April!!

Wow...time seems to be on an all out frenzy lately. Here we are, already in the first week of April!! Yikes! So what's going on...well today starts my journey with the Soul Restoration Class I signed up for about a month ago over at Brave Girls Club...today is the day! Though I won't officially start until Thursday because my friend Leslie is joining this journey with me. I'm excited and honestly a little bit scared about this journey....not really sure where this journey is going to take me....from what I've heard from others that have taken the class, it is amazing. So I'm hoping it's true...lol! If you are interested in taking a journey, there is still time to sign up until noon today. Check it out! So Brennan went to the District Science Fair a couple weekends ago....He got an excellent on his project...I am so proud of him. The fact that it was a project that I wasn't totally on board for...he proved me and his daddy wrong and did an awesome job. Though he doesn't get to advance to State level, the fact that this was his first Science Fair and he was the only one in his entire school to advance to districts....again I am one very proud momma, and yes Brennan is already thinking of ideas on what to do for the next science fair...lol!

Kevin had a scope done about 10 days ago because he has Barretts Esophogus and it was time for his check up. There were a couple spots the last time the doctor wanted to keep an eye on and check this time around. The doctor called last night and said that everything looked fine and that hubby wouldn't have to have another scope done for another 2 years...so a huge PTL!! Hubby was pretty worried, but God is good!

So if you've been anywhere near the Northeast...we have been having some crazy nasty weather. One minute it's nice (and I do mean minute, cause it doesn't seem to stay nice for long) and then, bam...tons of rain, like we had yesterday or like last week...freaky snow. It's crazy and discouraging because between being sick last week and this nasty weather I haven't walked/jogged in a week...ugh. I hate going that long without doing anything...I'm about ready just to run circles around the house!

Busy month again this month ahead too...This weekend in Colton's Pinewood Derby and also my sister-in-law's baby shower....definitely one of those times where I wish I could clone myself cause I can't be at two places at once and it's in two opposite directions!! Ugh...and hubby has to work this weekend so...hoping that Pinewood Derby doesn't take that long so maybe I can make it to the Baby Shower, eek...it's either feast or famine in my world...everything all at once or nothing. Ugh!

Well I need to get hubby's lunch ready....trying a new recipe from Gina's Skinny Recipes called Chicken Pot Pie Soup....by the way it is yummy!! Just tried it!

Have a great April everyone!

Wow!!

So much going on at the moment, but felt the need to share some things on here...so be prepared for a lot of randomness...lol!!

First of all, there is an awesome giveaway over at Lisa Leonard Designs right now. She is giving away my next new necklace, unless I'm lucky enough to win one...lol! If you've seen the necklace and bracelet I wear all the time now, then you've seen here stuff...she is AMAZING!! This jar necklace is so special...it reminds me of the salt jar of Kevin's granny...there is a long very special story that goes with that...ask me about it sometime. I think this necklace reminds me of Matt. 6:21 and how where our treasure is, there your heart will be also. Granny and Papa's hearts were with their family...and the fact that they could laugh at me when I put salt in their coffee instead of sugar, makes it all more special...like I said, long story but very dear to my heart. Anyway check out her giveaway!!

I have been getting huge into reading lately...I stumbled upon a book called "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller...can I just say this book just spoke to me in a way that, well lets just say most books don't speak to me...I read them, they're good, and then I forget about them. Not Donald's books...I haven't had a book speak to me like his books since I read Francis Chan's "Crazy Love" and I read that book 3 times. Donald Miller writes how I would like to write...just like you were talking to him with littel quips thrown in for goof measure. His last book I read, "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years" has changed me in ways that I don't think I've understood yet and I will definitely be reading this one a second time. I wish I would have stumbled on these books sooner because it has really shed some light on my walk with God and how God has given me this amazing story to live out and it's up to me to live it and make it amazing, with God's help. I can sit back and have a boring mediocre life or have an exciting life God has created for me. Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, but if you are looking for a good read, so far any of Donald Miller's books have been amazing!

Brennan goes to the District Science Fair the end of March. We still have yet to tweek his board and make it more presentable...that is going to be a long day! We have to be at Mount Union at 8 a.m. and it won't be over until 4 p.m. I'm so proud of his accomplishment, especially considering I wasn't too keen on the project at the beginning.

It has been raining like crazy here in Ohio...flooding a bit by the river and I heard we are supposed to get 4-10 inches of snow tonight....I'm about ready to pack up and move somewhere much warmer...this is crazy!! If I find that crazy groundhog, that boy is mine...I have a bullet with his name on it....lol!!!

And when it's not raining...lol...I have still been keeping up with my walking/jogging. I have done 400 miles since August 8th and I feel so good doing it! This past week I started jogging a little bit again, and boy can I feel it!! Now if this rain could ever stop I could really get into it, but nothing is more miserable than running in the rain!

I'm going to be an Aunt again...Luke and Amanda are expecting...just found out yesterday that it's going to be a girl!! Congrats you two!

I'm going to be taking an online art-scrapbooking-journal class over at Brave Girls Club here in April called Soul Restoration and I'm kind of excited about branching out into the art side of things...sound like a really cool class and maybe it will help me use up the little pieces of this and that craft stuff I have that I for whatever reason can't seem to part with...lol!!

Just got over a bad chest cold/laryngitis this past week...which really stunk cause I was supposed to sing the solo at church this past Sunday but there was just no way....but feeling much better now...thank God!

By the way...does anyone know where a woman my age can buy a decent dress?? I'm a bit too old (LOL!!) to shop in the Junior dept. and I'm not ready to branch out in the embroidered sweatshirts and elastic skirts just yet, so if you have any ideas...I have only a couple dresses to my name that I can actually wear and with Spring coming (hopefully!!) I kind of would like a new dress...no I kind of need a new dress....any help would be appreciated.

You can't go home again...

So this past weekend we took a much overdue trip to the Cleveland area. While we were there we visited my grandparents (my grandpa is going to be 90 next month...WOW!!) and my aunt and uncle. It was so nice to visit and eat dinner with my extended family...and we got to eat at Red Robin which we've never eaten at before (none near us) and it was quite good. It was just nice to take the time out to visit, chit chat and enjoy family.

On Monday we got a tip that the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center was having free admission that day...so we decided to partake of the "free day". Luckily we got to the Rock Hall early and the crowd really wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed the Rock Hall very much and the boys liked it some, they liked the hands-on stuff of course and were mesmerized by the wild outfits. They were most fascinated with the Michael Jackson display of course. By the time we were leaving the Rock Hall people were lined up outside to get in...which was CRAZY!! We decided to go next door to the Great Lakes Science Center...speaking of crazy...that place was a zoo. We only stayed for about an hour and got out of there because it was just way too crowded and the boys were getting cranky and hungry...and Colton was throwing a fit...lol! The boys were fascinated with seeing the frozen Lake Erie and the huge boats though.

We didn't stay in Cleveland long after that since we heard there was an ice storm on the way, though we did tool around long enough to see my childhood home, the house I grew up in from the age of around 2 to the age of 11, and then also seeing my old elementary school. The school hasn't changed much at all from what I remember of it. And though I know it's the house, it looks quite different to me. Maybe because it's white instead of the cute minty green that I remember...or maybe because it seemed bigger to me back then. The large pine tree that used to be in the front yard is gone as well as the huge hickory tree that used to be in the backyard. We also saw the old "Lawson's" building that I used to go get milk and bread for my mom was still there as well as Augie's pizza...unfortunately they were closed or I would have so waited for a pizza. They had good authentic Italian pizza...delish!!

Also saw the old mall we used to go to, Randall Park Mall, which I was extremely shocked to find it was boarded up and no longer in operation. This saddened me deeply...this was the place we'd go for something special to do...there was the big theatre...and all the shops...and at Christmas time it was absolutely magical. I loved that mall. There were times we would even walk to the mall...which was about a mile from our house...but it was no big deal to me...we were going to THE MALL!! So to see it all boarded up, vacant and dead was a sad sight. From what I understand, it started going downhill shortly after we moved....go figure.

Like my mom told me...you can't go home again....and not that I would want to go back and live in the Cleveland area again, but I think it's true...you can't go back to your past...you can only move forward in your Journey of life...so here's to moving forward and a great 2011!!

Here is a pic of my new necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs...I'm going to be doing the One Little Word Workshop over at Big Picture Classes hosted by the incredible Ali Edwards. My word for 2011 is "truth". This year I am seeking truth in my life...truth in myself, truth in those around me...just stripping away the fluff and stuff and getting to what is true. And I couldn't stop at just a word for this year...I decided to also include my life word. My life word is "journey"...which is also the name of my blog (and name of my favorite band, but unlike what my hubby thinks this is NOT the purpose of the word)...life is a journey...it is an adventure...there are great, amazing moments...there are potholes and there are detours. The journey includes joy and sorrow, but it IS a journey...not something to sit on the sidelines and watch, but something to be experienced and enjoyed...My hope is to enjoy my journey to its upmost fullest.

Happy 2011 to you all!

A bunch of randomness...

That's pretty much what the last few weeks have been...a bunch of randomness, very ADD and squirrelly.

To start off...I have to give a huge trumpet call to my son Brennan who just competed in his school's Science Fair and got a Superior on his project! Way to go Brennan...we are so proud of you!!! He did his experiment on the affects different liquids have on baking soda. He had a bottle with a cork and tried to see which reaction would make the cork go the highest. He tested white vinegar, ginger ale, lemon juice and red wine vinegar. After all the testing, white vinegar won. I'm so proud of him, because I'll be honest...I really wasn't sold on this project (he came up with it by himself by the way, no science fair project books or internet ideas), so I was a bit skeptical and wasn't really sure how he was going to pull it off. But he did...he attached string to the cork and then measured the string to see how far it went into the air...ingenuitive! He's always loved science and experiments. He reminds me so much of me at that age. I received my first Chemistry set at his age and I thought it was the coolest present ever!! (Yes Dad I thought it was cool...and I know that it was an expensive gift at the time you bought it. I think it cost $75.00 at the Hobby store (mine was a much bigger kit than the one shown here...I think it had 75 or 100 projects)...but I want you to know it was one of my favorite presents EVER!!) Anyway, He will now progress to the County Science Fair in January and he is so excited! I'm so proud of him!

Also we just got done with selling popcorn for Scouts. Thank you to all who bought popcorn from my boys. I know they appreciated. Brennan now gets to Fort Rapids water park and also got a Marshmallow Gun. All their proceeds also has pretty much paid for their summer camp for this coming summer too. So thank you from all of us, cause that is a big help for us and we couldn't do it without you!!

On the fitness front...I just jogged my best mile and my best 5K yesterday. I jogged a 9' 29" mile and a 30' 55" 5K. Which honestly surprised me because I just wasn't feeling it yesterday. Now this past Sunday I was in a groove...I jogged my longest jog...6.7 miles. The best part of that was walking/jogging around our courtsquare in the middle of town. It's there that I take the time to pray for our city, the people, the officials of our city, the police station, the people in the jails, the fire dept...just anything God laid on my heart. I am loving this time and like I said, before I knew it I had logged over 6 miles....so I guess God laid a lot on my heart...lol!

The boys are starting Upwards basketball soon and they are excited about it. It's Bren's last year so hoping he has a good year this year. Colton...well lets just say he's super confident...lol!

I don't know where you are, but the weather here has been cold and miserable. I think the older I get the more I understand why people go south for the winter. I've had a dull headache for three days and going from the heat to the cold does NOT make it any better. Praying that Mr. Sunshine shows up sometime soon cause I miss him a lot!

Well I better go for now. Gotta get the boys from school soon. Have a super week!!

Sometimes...

Sometimes life can be tough, sometimes things don't always go the way you planned. Sometimes life throws things at you you don't expect. Then again, sometimes life surprises you.

Today is probably one of the first days in a long time that I've had time to really breath. No deadlines looming on my desk, no huge to-do list...just an unadultered moment to exhale....ahhhhh! And it feels good....not sure how long it will last, but I'm savoring the moment. It seems like I've been going non-stop since...well, since I got back from vacation in August?!?! That's been almost 3 months ago and let me say this puppy is tired and worn out. The only sanity saving thing I've had these past few months is my jogging/walking and my friends whom I don't get to see near often enough. Though these past few months aren't ones I'd care to live again, I have learned some valuable lessons along the way:

Sometimes people make mistakes, sometimes you have to forgive and find it in you to move on...If you push yourself and believe in yourself you can reach your goals (and not to mention a little anger and frustration is a great motivator)...Don't go running after you haven't done so for several days...big no no....God always provides at just the right moment, His timing is perfect...Make time for your family and don't take the time you have with them for granted and protect what you have. And one I'm still learning about but making good baby steps....learning to say NO. My plate is more than full and I have this past month not felt guilty saying no to some things that people threw my way. I used to feel so guilty and take things on and then stress myself trying to get whatever it was done...I'm learning that my health and well being is far more important for me and especially my family. And through it all God has been there, He always will be there and I would be so lost without Him. He's humbled me in so many ways these past couple months, good ways that were needed. I'm glad I serve a God who is not only forgiving and willing to guide me over and over, but also that He's so very patient cause with me it takes many lessons before the light bulb truly goes on.

Well I'm going to go clear off my desk so I can actually see it again and just breath. Have a great day all!

It's not stubbornness...it called being Bound and Determined

So what a month!!! As most people who know me know September - first week of October is pretty busy for me. This is the time that I get ready for our County Fair. Though I didn't have as much in this year (no crocheting this year) I did have 14 entries...13 of those being in Photography. I actually got to sit in on the judging this year. Now that is a job I would NOT want. From what I heard there were over 800 entries this year in the photography division...for a little fair like ours...that's a lot of photos! I don't know how this judge did it...in fact not sure exactly what he was looking for in some of the photos he chose, but hey I am by far not a professional photographer by any means. I'm still learning...I'm what you'd call a 'trial and error' photographer. Every once in a while I do come up with a pretty stellar shot. So shockingly (and I do mean shockingly, cause there were some pretty nice photos this year...though I do believe there is a HUGE difference between a picture and a photograph) shockingly I was able to pull off 2 ribbons in Photography...and with the odds of over 800 photos and only 13 categories...I am blessed beyond all reason! Here are my photos that won this year:

For this photo I got third place for the category black and white snow scene.



For this photo I got second place for the category of Color landscape scene.


So life yes has been crazy...not sure if it just is, or I'm making it that way, but either way life IS crazy right now. Still e-schooling Austin which is going well, Brennan is in the thick of doing Science Fair (which I really need to help him more on), our church is celebrating its 80th Anniversary at the end of the month so been busy making flyers, bulletin inserts and bookmarks for that...not to mention my weekly FaithSisters commitment and normal mommy/housewife things. I have been a busy busy gal!


To top all that off...some of you know I've gotten back into exercising. Now before, I was doing workout videos and even got into the P90X videos...by the way those are killer! Great if you want results though but prepare to get your butt whooped! LOL!! Well since this past winter our family room has been going through a remodel (which honestly means it's unusable until we can find someone who can fix it and the money to pay them...lol!) So as of now the family room is unusable...at least for me to work out in, cause with all the stuff that's now in there, there is no room to workout. So this past August (and maybe I've already mentioned this before) I started walking, which has progressed to speed walking, which is progressing into jogging...and so far so good...slow and steady wins the race as I say. When I do go out, I try to run (I use the word run loosely) at least 3 miles...I try to do between 3-5 miles depending on time and how I feel. Honestly time is more the factor at the moment. When I started the kids weren't quite in school yet so I could go when I wanted...well since school has started I've had to adjust my exercising schedule...so I started walking in the evenings which worked wonderfully, but...I've since taken on a small cleaning job in the evenings 3 nights a week so evenings are out and honestly now that the days are getting shorter and it's getting darker sooner I don't like going out in the dark alone...and I again have had to adjust. So next solution, I began walking/jogging right before I picked the boys up from school and then walk with them home...of course they didn't like walking as much as I did but hey they got their exercise anyway :-) So that was going well for a little while...that's until a lady that sometimes goes to my church, her van broke down and she needed me to pick up her daughter and take her to school and bring her home. So walking to the school and getting the kids was no longer a good option anymore since this girl lives all the way across town...a little much to ask any 8 year old to walk...not to mention the bellyaching I would get from my own 2 boys. So again, I've had to adjust...now some people may have given up by now, but not me...stubborn you say?? No not me...I would call it more of a "bound and determined" attitude. And also the fact that hey I paid a good hard earned $ 20.00 on that Nike+ Sensor I'll be darned if I'm not going to use it!! So now I came up with the brilliant solution of driving up to the school, doing my walking/jogging around that area and still make it bake in time to get the kids and bring them home. So far it has worked pretty well other than the fact I'm sure the kids don't like the way I smell when they see me, but hey that's beside the point...I'm getting my exercise in...and I'm happy. I'm really happy that I've stuck to it. I've traveled over 115 miles since August 8th and I feel much better. I always feel better after working out. Now I'm concerned with what I'm going to do once the snow starts flying...not sure I want to brave the elements let alone that I have to watch breathing in too much cold air...it causes me to wheeze and that's not a good thing. So again it looks like I may have to adjust again soon...hopefully it won't be a bad winter.


Well I think I've bored you enough. I got a bunch of stuff piling on my desk. Until next time.
God bless!!

Wait...where did August go??

OK, can someone please tell me where August went?? What do you mean it's the middle of September already?? Dang that went fast!! What a crazy month or so it has been!

August was filled with vacation, Cub Scout Day Camp, VBS, getting ready for school...now school is in full swing....Austin is doing OCA again this year (and it seems to be going much smoother this year now that we know what to expect)...of course been busy with the odd jobs, doing the usual mommy things...life has truly been a whirlwind.

So something I have started this past month is jogging...ok more of a speed walking if you will potentially turning into jogging :-) I had started a workout program a couple years ago and loved it...however last summer with life getting crazy and our basement needing a remodel (and still does) hubby didn't think it was safe for me to be working out down there...so I stopped. And I could tell...I always felt better after my workouts. So about 6 weeks ago I decided to do something about it. My dear scrapbooking mentor, goddess, funny the way I am kind of girl and someone I would so love to meet Cathy Zielske was doing this running thing attempting to get her life back on healthy note...I followed her progress...I was impressed with her progress...which spurred me on to progress myself. With my iPod Touch that I got for Christmas, my new Nike+ Sensor and armband...I started walking, which is now progressing into a somewhat jog/walk. Baby steps I say, baby steps. So far I have started feeling good again....walked with some great friends from time to time (hi Leslie, Dani, Cindy and Sandy!!) And overall feeling really good about my progress....so far since August 8th I have clocked in over 62 miles! I know...who knew?!?! I am thinking about doing a 5K soon...there is one coming up next Sunday, but not sure if I'm ready for it yet...it's a 5K Run/Walk, so I could walk it if I wanted...lol! We shall see. Stay tuned!

So just celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary a few days ago. Hard to believe it's been that long!?!? Time sure does fly.

So our County Fair is coming soon...need to get things started on that and get my entries in....haven't even started getting ready for that. Yep, looks like next week will be another busy week...oh well. Speaking of next week....I am taking another scrap class from the amazing Cathy Zielske starting Thursday over at Big Picture Scrapbooking called Me: The Abridged Version. I took it last year and loved it so much that I'm taking it again this year. If you love scrapbooking and always wanted to do a project about you (and I don't mean in a conceited "look at me" sort of way) and you love funny (cause Cathy is hilarious) then consider taking this class. It's a blast...And I think I have pics of last years album on my Facebook photos...take a look there...It's one of my very favorite albums!

Well it's early on a Saturday...wanted to sleep in but that of course didn't happen. Maybe a nap later?? Oh well....since I don't know when I'll be on here next have a happy September!

Happy birthday!

A quick 'Happy Birthday' greeting to my now 8 year old son Colton and my Dad!! Hope you both have a super day!!

Summer is just flying by...

Wowzers!! It;s already practically the middle of July?!?! Where has the summer gone?? Life has been crazy busy, but good. God has been good to us this summer. Kevin and I have been able to make a little extra money here and there (to prepare for our upcoming vaca) and the boys have been somewhat busy. God is good.

My Brennie had a huge growing up experience this past week...he went to a week long Boy Scout camp, no mom, no dad, just a bunch of boys and his scout leaders. It was truly a learning experience for him and honestly a test for me...none of my babies have ever been away from me for that long. Maybe a weekend, but never a whole week. This morning I was up at 5:30 a.m. and couldn't wait to pick him up...I didn't have to get him until 10:00 a.m. If they would have let me I think I would have been there at 6:00 a.m....lol. I missed him lots! He pretty much came home and crashed and is still in bed in fact. Poor guy. It was a long week! And during this week I think my little boy grew up. Even my oldest son mentioned it...Mom I think Brennan matured a lot this week...and for Austin to say that is huge, cause you'd just have to know Austin...he could use a little maturing himself...lol! Anyway I'm so glad to have Brennan back home and have my family back together again. By the way have I mentioned this growing up stuff stinks?? Speaking of stinks...I just started doing Brennan's laundry from camp...HELLO!! Wow...do not go in there! I know I gave that boy white socks before he left...he must have either traded someone for some black socks or this boy didn't wear shoes all week...YIKES!!

Onto other things...I'm currently attending a online Scrapbook Camp over at Big Picture Scrapbooking with May Flaum. I was a little leary about taking this class at first, but even though I'm a bit behind I'm actually getting some paper layouts done and that's all that matters. Reason I say that is because I haven't done any paper scrapping since I went to Scrap Camp in W.V. back in March so it feels good to get back into the saddle again.

So, we are getting ready to go on a long and much needed vacation. I think I had mentioned before that we, hubby and I, have felt a tugging to go to Asheville, NC. Not sure why, love North Carolina, but God I think has something in store and we are just being open to what He may have for us. Maybe it's a calling to move, maybe it's just a calling for a nice relaxing vacation, maybe it's a calling to help out somewhere just this one time...don't know, but God is in control and we are excited to see what He has in store for us. After we get done in Asheville we are going to visit my parents and little brother and his wife in Kentucky. Even though us moms don't get much of a vacation going on vacation (after all we do all the packing, making sure nothing gets forgotten, keeping track of everything and everyone during the whole entire trip and then all the lovely laundry afterwards) I am looking forward to a nice get away...it's been a long year, a pretty good one, but just been so busy...nice to finally get some R & R.

After we get back from vacation I then am helping Colton during his Cub Scout camp all week...then that Friday hubby and I are finally taking a weekend for ourselves and going to Columbus for the weekend to go see the Broadway show Wicked. I'm super excited about that cause hubby and I haven't been away for a weekend (other than a church kids convention) since 2006. We are sorely overdue for some time away. The grandparents have so willingly offered to watch the boys so we can get some time away...woohoo and thanks Gamma & Papa!!
After we get back from Columbus our church's VBS starts...so by the time mid August rolls around I should be pretty much shot to the wind...lol! Just in time for school to start...ugh! Not ready for that at all....it seems like summer has just flown by in a big way this year.

So how has your summer been??

Not sure when I'll get to post next, but have a great rest of your summer. Going to go inside (yes I'm outside on the laptop enjoying the stars and God's creation) and spend some time with my boys and snuggle with my Brennie a bit, heard he's awake now.

Have a super summer!

Yes, I'm a Gleek...how about you?

Greetings...I know...more than 1 post in a month...must be something wrong...actually no, just killing some time while Austin gets ready to take his Math chapter test...ahhh. Trying to keep on top of things a little better...trying...anyway.

So did you watch Glee last night??? I have been sooooo anticipating the return of my new favorite TV show...and for me to call a TV show a fav, there must be something to it because it takes a lot to keep me glued to that thing. I know this is going to come as a shock then, but I inevitably have NOT watched the new episode...yet. I honestly thought it was on today (Wednesday) so I forgot they moved it to Tuesday....but luckily one of the greatest inventions made by man (the DVR) recorded it for me so my evening tonight will be stuck glued to the TV in sheer laughter and song! So no one give it away for me...though I did download the preview on my iPod a couple days ago....hilarious....and can't wait to watch it tonight....along with a little Ghost Hunter action....ahhhh!

I'm again glad for the DVR cause I had a hugely long and difficult meeting last night so I just didn't have it in me to watch anything but my eyelids, but tonight....watch out....the TV is MINE!!!

On other interesting things....I took an over 3 mile speed walk around Lake Park (it's a lake about a 7 minute drive from our house) Monday night. Colton had a tour with his Cub Scout pack at the museum in Roscoe so I took advantage of it and dropped him off there and went walking around the lake. Wow....how I have missed doing that....I used to do it all the time in my 20s, but after the kids came along it was tough...but anyway it was so nice to get out in the spring air and just jog and walk around....took me every bit of the hour to speed walk that 3 miles but hopefully in time it will get better. It just really felt good to exercise and my exercise has been a lot of hit and miss lately, but hoping that now that the weather is getting warmer that it will be more of a hit!

Oh and now that Easter is over (by the way I LOVE Easter) I have been able to use my iPod again....yes I gave it up for Lent. It was like getting a new toy again...I've been playing that thing like I just got it for Christmas....man I missed my iPod, but I'm glad I gave it up...I needed to.

Well I'm going to get off here...going to surf the net (if my stupid flaky computer will let me) and look up stuff for vacation...if anyone has any tidbits or advice on Asheville North Carolina drop me a line....I think that is where we are planning on going on one of our vacations this year....God just seems to be speaking to us about that area...we are going to check it out.

Have a gleek week! Love ya all!

God paints a beautiful canvas

Happy Spring everyone! I hope everyone had a Happy and blessed Easter! He is Risen Indeed!!

It's so nice to smell the fresh clean air...even though I am getting over a cold. Took the boys back to school this morning and I couldn't help but be in awe of God's beauty...the sunshine, the buds on the trees, the pretty daffodils dancing in the breeze...God does paint an amazing canvas...and He does it everyday. There is no artist like Him and I will always stand in awe of His amazing artistry.

As I mentioned I'm getting over a cold. I am so thankful that God gave me just enough strength (and voice) to sing on Sunday morning...I not only sang in the choir, I was asked to do the special that day. God was with me and let me tell ya, it was just enough, because I came home and pretty much felt miserable the rest of the day. Darling hubby got me meds yesterday, which helped tremendously...except for the fact that I probably shouldn't have taken them before bed because they kept me up almost the whole night. I think I got maybe 2 hours of sleep...it's a wonder I'm still functioning!

I have to share this shocking tidbit I heard on the radio this morning. My clock radio is set to a Cleveland station 92.1...Moody Radio, it's a Christian station. Anyway, they reported this bit of news that just shocked me and stuck with me most of the day yesterday. They reported (and I checked on the internet to see if it was truly legit...and sadly it is)...that at a recent Girls Scouts convention they allowed the adult chaperones to leave the room while Planned Parenthood passed out pamphlets to the girls. You can see a copy of the pamphlet here. Please be advised that the information found in this pamphlet is quite shocking. I was shocked and appalled when I first saw it. And I feel quite niave as I was unaware that this kind of stuff is being passed on to our young people. Also, I wasn't aware that Planned Parenthood was now affiliated with the Girl Scouts organization...It's sad to see a once wholesome organiztion become so corrupted.

On a lighter note...the boys are currently starting their last nine weeks of school, and boy are they happy about that. It seems like it's been a long year. Maybe that's because of homeschooling the oldest, but it just seems like it's been a long year. I am excited just as much as they are for summer vacation. No definite plans for vacation, but we are seriously looking into going to North Carolina...God just seems to be speaking to us about that area...not sure why, so I think we may just go exploring and see what God has in store. Also there is always Kentucky now that my parents have bought a house down there...we had a lot of fun there last year with my brother Luke...I think the boys (and I) would love another just quiet relaxing week of nothing but nature, water and camping!

Well I better get off here...I have a house that is screaming my name. It's funny how a house can get so messy after a holiday AND being sick. Have a super day!